Week 11 of the NFL season kicked off with a thrilling Thursday night performance from Saquon Barkley, who racked up an impressive 33.8 fantasy points. As we moved into Sunday night, Breece Hall was the only other running back who came close to Barkley’s total, finishing with 31.1 points. In total, six players crossed the 30-point threshold, including one surprising name that might not have been on your fantasy radar.
On the other hand, we witnessed some concerning performances from top wideouts and several big-name running backs who fell flat. With all this excitement and disappointment, let’s dive into my Fabs’ Five Storylines from Week 11 that really made waves. And remember, for the latest news and fantasy advice, Fantasy Dirt is your go-to source five days a week!
Big-name running backs disappoint
While stars like Barkley, Hall, David Montgomery, and Josh Jacobs shined brightly, many of the league’s elite running backs struggled to make an impact. Christian McCaffrey managed just 14.6 points, which is underwhelming for a player of his caliber. Alvin Kamara followed suit with 12.9 points, and Derrick Henry fell short of the mark with fewer than 11 points. In fact, Henry has now scored no more than 14.7 points in three of his last four outings.
Other notable backs like Bijan Robinson (10.3 points), Kyren Williams, Jonathan Taylor, Kareem Hunt, Aaron Jones, and Tony Pollard all found themselves in single digits. With Week 12 approaching, fantasy managers should prepare for a bye-mageddon, as Robinson, Kamara, Hall, James Cook, and Chase Brown will all be out. Make sure to scour the waiver wire for potential replacements!
Time to worry about Justin Jefferson?
When it comes to fantasy football, consistency is key, and that’s what makes Justin Jefferson’s recent performances so alarming. The star wideout has failed to deliver big numbers in back-to-back games, including a lackluster outing against the struggling Jaguars. He managed just 81 yards and 14.1 fantasy points in a win over the Titans, bringing his total to a mere 23.9 points over his last two games.
Even more concerning is his lack of touchdowns; Jefferson hasn’t found the end zone in four straight games and has only scored once in his last six contests. While you’ll never bench J.J., it would be reassuring to see him return to form, especially with the Bears on the horizon.
Taysom Hill runs wild against Cleveland
For those fantasy managers who stuck with Taysom Hill after a disappointing performance last week, the reward was well worth the wait. In a dominant 35-14 victory over the Browns, Hill showcased his versatility by rushing for 138 yards and three touchdowns, while also catching eight passes for 50 yards. This performance netted him a staggering 41.5 fantasy points, marking the 12th-most points ever scored by a tight end in a single game.
Hill’s 138 rushing yards set a new record for tight ends, surpassing his previous best of 112 yards in 2022. Although the Saints have a bye next week, he should be added in fantasy leagues as we head into the regular season stretch and the fantasy playoffs.
Jared Goff roars with four touchdowns
After struggling in his previous two games, Jared Goff bounced back in a big way, throwing for 412 yards and four touchdowns, resulting in 34.6 fantasy points. His accuracy was impressive, completing 82.6 percent of his passes. Goff’s scoring strikes went to Amon-Ra St. Brown (27 yards), Jameson Williams (64 yards), Brock Wright (five yards), and St. Brown again (nine yards). This was Goff’s best fantasy outing of the season, and with a favorable matchup against the Colts next, he’s a quarterback to keep an eye on.
Let’s not forget about Matthew Stafford, who also threw for four touchdowns, including two to Cooper Kupp and one to Puka Nacua, finishing with 27.8 points. Bo Nix joined the four-touchdown club as well, throwing for four scores in a blowout win over the Falcons. If he’s still available on your waiver wire, Nix should be a top priority.
Do we have Anthony Richardson … 3.0?
Fantasy fans have been eagerly awaiting the return of Anthony Richardson, and this week, we may have witnessed the emergence of Richardson 3.0. After struggling in his first six starts of 2024, Richardson showcased his potential by completing 20 of 30 passes for 272 yards, along with a touchdown and no interceptions. He also added 32 rushing yards and two more touchdowns, including the game-winner, finishing with a season-high 28.1 fantasy points.
What’s even more exciting is that Richardson is available in over 50 percent of ESPN leagues, making him a prime candidate for addition and potential start, especially with six teams on bye next week.
As we reflect on the rollercoaster of Week 11, it’s clear that the landscape of fantasy football is ever-changing. With standout performances and disappointing outings, it’s crucial to stay informed and ready to adapt. Keep your eyes on the waiver wire and make those strategic moves to secure your fantasy success!
